“A vaccine protecting against two types of viruses that cause cervical cancer has demonstrated unusual staying power, new research shows.

“In a follow-up study to a randomized clinical trial, researchers found antibody levels in the study subjects remained steadfast for up to four and a half years. Researchers say the results confirm the success and safety of the vaccine Cervarix, which is designed to guard against two cancer-causing human papillomaviruses, HPV 16 and 18.

“‘This is the most significant advance in cancer prevention in the last 50 years,’ said lead author Diane Harper, director of Gynaecologic Cancer Prevention Research at Dartmouth Medical School. ‘We now have a vaccine that’s 100 percent effective,’ she added.

“She also emphasized the vaccine does not prevent cancer — it prevents the virus that causes cervical cancer, the second most common malignant disease in women worldwide.

“Today Microsoft announced that Virtual Server 2005 R2 is now available as a free download. This also will apply to the forthcoming service pack 1 of Virtual Server 2005 R2. In addition, Microsoft announced the availability of virtual machine add-ins for Linux and a technical product support model for Linux guest operating systems running on Virtual Server 2005 R2.

“Resource management has always been part of the operating system, and over the years, customers have been able to obtain this functionality as an integrated part of their operating system platform. As Microsoft releases its Windows hypervisor technology in the Windows Server “Longhorn” wave, customers will be receiving the benefits of virtualization as part of the Windows Server operating system. Today’s price change makes it easier for customers to access and experience the benefits of virtualization technology.”